Human dignity in concept and practice

Abstract

Dignity seems to be something that virtually all people want. It is a seminal expression of the human experience that gains authority through the convergent demands of people worldwide. Even so, the human dignity concept is in unhelpful disarray. Dignity is variously viewed as an antecedent, a consequence, a value, a principle, and an experience, from philosophical, legal, pragmatic, psychological, behavioral, and cultural perspectives. We ask which if any of these human dignity concepts will likely serve our global common interests best, as both common ground and policy diagnostic? We examine four broad themes: dignity as (1) a metaphysical justification for human rights and duties, (2) virtuous comportment or behavior, (3) a perspective of ''other,'' and (4) a subjective experience of the individual, contingent on a broad and equitable sharing of values. We recommend viewing dignity as a commonwealth of individually assessed well-being, shaped by relationships with others, affected by the physical world, and framed in terms of values. Viewed this way, the idea of dignity accommodates the priorities of both individualistic and communitarian cultures. Conceiving of human dignity as a commonwealth of subjectively experienced value production and enjoyment has many practical policy implications.

Corporate social responsibility towards human development: A capabilities framework

“…As Newell and Frynas (, p. 669) highlighted, we need to “fill the gap in our understanding of how, when and through what means business can help reducing poverty, while recognising the equally powerful potential of the business community to exacerbate poverty.” This argues in favour of a renewed conception of corporate responsibilities towards the alleviation of poverty. This advocates regulations that reinforce the capabilities of the worse‐off and protect human dignity (Kant, ; Mattson & Clark, ) of everyone. In the same vein, our conception of CSR extends to all people who are potentially impacted by corporations, even if they are at the margins of business sphere (non‐working women, disabled and elderly people, children, and future generations, etc.…”

Interdisciplinary Teaching and Research: Challenges and Solutions

“…As Mattson once said, "The interdisciplinary approach can facilitate an orderly, problem-oriented inquiry into complex problems." [5]. How to dismantle the boundaries between disciplines to enhance collaboration in problem inquiring and solving for faculties?…”

Dignité humaine et Pensée critique dialogique chez des enfants et des adolescents

“…Aujourd'hui, la notion de dignité s'inscrit dans divers cadres théoriques (pour une revue : Mattson & Clark, 2011). Parmi ces derniers, certains présupposent que la dignité est un potentiel humain, une condition en développement.…”

“…De fait, la dignité ou la dignité humaine est un concept équivoque ; plusieurs significations coexistent dont les suivantes (entre autres, Durand, 1999;Mattson & Clark, 2011). La dignité peut s'exprimer en termes de conduite ou de comportements individuels qui sont socialement et culturellement valorisés par les autres.…”